A tragic collapse of a classroom building at SLMB Primary School in Tussor has claimed the life of a five-year-old pupil and left another seriously injured, renewing urgent calls for the rehabilitation of unsafe school structures across the district.

The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, 12 March 2026, while pupils were attending lessons at the predominantly mud-brick school building. The collapse killed Class One pupil Khadija Sannoh, aged five, and injured her classmate Lahai Massaquoi, who sustained a broken right leg.

According to Headteacher Yayah Kemokai, who has led the school for the past three years, the building had long been in a state of severe disrepair.

“I assumed responsibility for the school three years ago, and I have reported the need for repairs several times,” Kemokai said. “We were waiting on a promised new building. Now we have lost a bright little girl.”

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He described Khadija as an exceptional pupil who showed strong academic promise.

“She would raise her hand and answer most questions and could read well. Now she is no more,” he said.

Khadija Sannoh was laid to rest after family and community members observed customary burial rites.

The collapse also left Lahai Massaquoi with a fractured right leg. According to community sources, the injured pupil is currently receiving traditional treatment locally, and it remains unclear whether arrangements will be made for formal medical care.

Headteacher Kemokai expressed deep regret over the tragedy and acknowledged the school’s inability to secure urgent repairs in time to prevent the disaster.

The building had reportedly been awaiting either rehabilitation or replacement for years. Community members say earlier appeals for repairs were delayed after assurances from a philanthropist that a new school structure would be constructed — a project that has yet to be completed.

When asked about the involvement of the SLMB mission, which oversees the school, Kemokai said the mission had given little attention to the situation so far. He added that he is continuing discussions with community stakeholders and mission representatives to find a solution.

In response to the incident, local leaders have scheduled a public engagement meeting for Tuesday, 24 March 2026, to discuss the urgent relocation of the school and other remedial measures. Parents, mission authorities, local chiefs, and district education officials are expected to attend.

Education and safety advocates say the tragedy highlights a broader problem affecting rural schools in Sierra Leone, where many pupils continue to study in aging structures built from mud bricks and other fragile materials.

Without regular maintenance and timely investment, such buildings become increasingly vulnerable to weather damage and structural failure, posing serious risks to children and teachers.

Residents and civil society groups are now calling for accountability and immediate intervention by government authorities, the mission responsible for the school, and any donors who previously pledged support for a new building.

They are also urging authorities to conduct a comprehensive assessment of mission and government-assisted schools across Pujehun District to identify unsafe facilities and undertake urgent rehabilitation.

Community leaders, parents and teachers have expressed their condolences to the family of Khadija Sannoh while praying for the speedy recovery of Lahai Massaquoi.